Advice after a radial head/neck elbow fracture

Patient Information Leaflet

Virtual Fracture Clinic

Introduction

You have a very small break at your elbow. This is in the radial head or neck, one of the bones in your elbow (see below).

These fractures almost always heal well with time and use. No specific treatment is required and therefore, routine follow-up is not needed.

What should I do at home?

• A sling will hold your elbow in a comfortable position for a few days.
• You should wean yourself off this as your pain settles and aim to remove the sling completely as soon as you feel able.
• At first, you may need to take painkillers as it is important to keep gently moving the elbow. We suggest paracetamol or ibuprofen, if you can take them (always read the label; do not exceed the recommended dose).
• You should gradually resume daily activities within the limits of discomfort. This will prevent stiffness and ensure the quickest return to normal function.
• Forcing it to stretch is unnecessary, and is likely to cause pain and delay your recovery.

How long will it take to heal?

• Symptoms are usually minor but may take up to three to six weeks to settle.
• There may be slightly reduced movement at the elbow, especially on straightening it, but this is unlikely to affect its function.

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand, please contact the Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number on 01384 456111 and ask for the relevant department who issued this leaflet.

If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net

This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.

Originator: Katrina Kerr. Date reviewed: March 2026. Next review due: April 2029. Version: 4. DGH ref: DGH/PIL/01367